Sony Adds to Innovative Line of CLIE Handhelds

PRNewswire
NEW YORK, PC EXPO, Booth #2622
06/24/2002

At a press conference today spotlighting a variety of product innovations, Sony Electronics added the new CLIE™ PEG-T665C model to its family of personal entertainment organizers. The new handheld offers multimedia features that engage users and increase productivity.

"We took the best features of previous CLIE handhelds, packed them into an elegant design and added the most horsepower of any Palm Powered™ device, but the new model is more than the sum of its features," said Russell Paik, Sony Electronics' vice president for handheld marketing at its Information Technology Products Division.

The new color handheld model will be available at retailers nationwide in July for about $400 or can be pre-ordered beginning today at http://www.sonystyle.com/clie .

Integrated MP3 Player and Speaker Sing the Day Away

Integrated extras help users get more from this new handheld. For example, with its integrated audio player, the CLIE PEG-T665C model allows users to enjoy digital audio files stored on an optional Memory Stick® media card. Using the supplied headphones, users can listen to their favorite MP3 audio files when traveling to the next appointment or taking a leisurely stroll.

"The beauty is in the details," Paik said. "From the gorgeous display to the chrome-accented, aluminum case, we've designed more than just a handheld. We've designed an experience."

The new model features an integrated lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery that supports up to 10 days of average use (approximately 30 minutes a day with backlight set off) or four hours of continuous MP3 playback (with display off). In order to further conserve battery life, Sony has incorporated a "Hold" button into this new model that turns off the LCD screen while still playing audio.

Personalized audio tunes and a built-in speaker make alarms a welcome reminder. Users can simply select preset audio tunes or convert their favorite MIDI and WAV files on a PC with the bundled Sound Converter application. These customized sounds work with the supplied World Alarm Clock software to prevent rude awakenings. Furthermore, the built-in speaker enriches the gaming experience with more engaging sound effects on supported applications.

Productivity Software to Lighten The Load

For users who are unable to take a notebook PC everywhere they go, the CLIE T665C handheld offers software for up-to-the-minute editing. Mobile users can transfer important Microsoft® Word and Excel documents from their PC to the new handheld using the bundled Documents To Go® Standard Edition (DataViz, Inc.), a popular desktop software for handhelds. The handheld's high-resolution color screen (320 x 320 pixels) will render a quarterly projection report in fine detail.

Professionals can use the new device to jot personalized notes with the supplied CLIE™ Paint application or draw directly on a digital image to illustrate a point. For example, a real estate agent might show a picture of a house to a perspective client, or a landscape designer can show the exact placement of a fountain. With 16 MB (15MB actual) of internal memory and an integrated Memory Stick® slot, professionals can keep a library of digital still images at their fingertips.

Applications and an Operating System that Turn on the Fun

A powerful addition to Sony's handheld family, the new model allows users to view their friends' pictures, play games and take advantage of a multitude of compatible Palm OS® applications. The new device combines the Palm operating system (v.4.1), and the fastest processor available for Palm Powered™ devices (66 MHz).

With an enhanced infrared (IR) port and supplied CLIE™ Remote Commander software, the new handheld acts as a universal remote controller, controlling electronic devices from up to 15 feet away. Users can roll tape in a meeting or control the household AV products with preset programs for DVD players, TVs, VCRs and AV receivers from most manufacturers.

Optional Accessories Make Portability Key

For users who wish to complement their graffiti pad with an optional keyboard, Sony also introduced today the new Mini Keyboard PEGA-KB20. The ultra-small keyboard connects easily to the serial connector of any CLIE T-series handheld. The keyboard attaches securely onto the bottom of the unit. The familiar QWERTY keyboard layout and dedicated application buttons make typing notes and opening applications easier than ever.

CLIE T-series handheld owners can also have a cradle at their home and office using the new PEGA-UC60K with USB cradle and AC adapter. The keyboard and optional cradle will be available at retail stores and online for about $50 each.

Editor's Note: Sony Electronics' Information Technologies Product Division, based in San Diego, markets branded VAIO® notebook and desktop computer products; CLIE™ handheld devices and home digital photo printers. For additional information about Sony products, customers can call (888) 222-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: http://www.sony.com/clie . Press releases and digital images are available at Sony Electronics' news and information web site at: http://www.sony.com/news . Specifications are subject to change. Some third party software and devices may currently have limited functionality or may not be compatible with this new model.

Please note that "CLIE" should always be written with an accent mark over the letter "E."

For further information, please contact: David D. Yang of Sony Electronics, +1-858-942-7733, david.d.yang@am.sony.com; or Rob Litt of Burson-Marsteller, +1-858-646-3076, rob_litt@sdg.bm.com, for Sony Electronics.

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X34455116

SOURCE: Sony Electronics

CONTACT: David D. Yang of Sony Electronics, +1-858-942-7733,
david.d.yang@am.sony.com; or Rob Litt of Burson-Marsteller, +1-858-646-3076,
rob_litt@sdg.bm.com, for Sony Electronics

Web site: http://www.sony.com/news

Web site: http://www.sonystyle.com/clie